Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Diablo
Indulge in the robust flavors of Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Diablo, a delightful fusion of succulent shrimp and classic Italian pasta elevated with a spicy tomato sauce. This recipe combines seared shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a splash of cognac to create a tantalizing dish that's perfect for sharing with family and friends. The vibrant red pepper flakes add a fiery kick, while the fresh parsley provides a touch of brightness, making this a memorable meal for any occasion.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons (divided)
salt
1 1/2 tablespoons (divided)
cognac or brandy
1/4 cup (for flambéing)
minced garlic
1/4 cup (around 20 small cloves, adjusted according to size)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (to balance acidity)
diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (drained)
dry white wine
1 cup
dried fettuccine pasta or spaghetti
1 lb
fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup (minced for garnish)
Instructions
1
Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a vigorous boil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot.
2
In the meantime, heat a heavy-bottomed 12-inch skillet over high heat for 4 minutes.
3
In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with half of the crushed red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
4
Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet, arranging them in a single layer. Sear the shrimp for about 30 seconds or until they develop a light crust on the bottom.
5
Remove the skillet from heat, flip the shrimp, and carefully add the cognac. Allow it to warm for about 5 seconds before returning the pan to high heat.
6
Using a long match or lighter, ignite the cognac, shaking the pan gently. Once the flames subside after 15-30 seconds, transfer the shrimp to a medium bowl and set aside.
7
Carefully allow the hot skillet to cool for 2 minutes off heat, then return it to the burner on low heat. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of minced garlic, stirring continuously until the garlic becomes sticky and straw-colored, approximately 7-10 minutes.
8
Incorporate the remaining crushed red pepper flakes, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, sugar, diced tomatoes, and white wine into the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer the sauce until it thickens and becomes fragrant, about 8 minutes.
9
Return the cooked shrimp along with their juices to the skillet, then stir in the remaining tablespoon of garlic and the fresh parsley. Simmer for an additional minute to heat the shrimp thoroughly.
10
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and mix in the last tablespoon of olive oil for added richness.
11
While preparing the sauce, cook the fettuccine in the boiling salted water, stirring occasionally until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
12
Return the drained pasta to the Dutch oven, adding about 1/2 cup of the sauce (without shrimp) and 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss the pasta until it’s evenly coated.
13
Serve the fettuccine on warm plates, topped with the shrimp and sauce. Enjoy your Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Diablo hot!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Diablo?
Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Diablo is a fusion dish featuring succulent shrimp and Italian pasta in a robust, spicy tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Dried fettuccine pasta is recommended, but spaghetti can also be used.
How much shrimp do I need?
The recipe requires 1 pound of medium shrimp.
How should the shrimp be prepared before cooking?
The shrimp should be peeled and deveined before starting the recipe.
What ingredients are used to season the shrimp?
The shrimp are tossed with crushed red pepper flakes, olive oil, and salt.
Why is cognac used in this recipe?
Cognac or brandy is used to flambé the shrimp, which adds a deep, complex flavor to the dish.
How do I flambé the shrimp safely?
Warm the cognac for 5 seconds, ignite it with a long match while shaking the pan, and wait 15-30 seconds for the flames to subside.
Can I substitute brandy for cognac?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either cognac or brandy.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of minced garlic, which is approximately 20 small cloves.
How long should I cook the garlic?
The garlic should be cooked on low heat for about 7 to 10 minutes until it is sticky and straw-colored.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the sauce?
A small amount of sugar is added to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Use one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, making sure to drain them first.
What kind of wine is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dry white wine.
How do I make the sauce spicy?
The heat comes from a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your taste preference.
How long do the shrimp need to sear initially?
Sear the shrimp for about 30 seconds on high heat until they develop a light crust.
When do I add the fresh parsley?
The fresh parsley is stirred into the skillet along with the final addition of garlic and the cooked shrimp.
What should I do with the juices from the cooked shrimp?
Be sure to return the shrimp along with all their juices back into the skillet to maximize flavor.
How do I cook the fettuccine?
Boil the pasta in 4 quarts of salted water until it reaches an al dente texture.
Should I save any of the pasta water?
Yes, reserve 1/3 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
How do I assemble the pasta and sauce?
Toss the drained pasta with a bit of the sauce and the reserved pasta water before topping with the shrimp.
How much olive oil is used in total?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in divided stages.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish should be served immediately while it is hot.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked so that it remains firm to the bite.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of garlic based on the size of the cloves and your personal preference.
How much salt is needed for the recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 tablespoons of salt, divided between the shrimp, the sauce, and the pasta water.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to mix in a tablespoon of olive oil for added richness and serve on warm plates.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 8 minutes until it thickens and becomes fragrant.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies canned diced tomatoes for consistency, you can use fresh if you adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What makes this 'Diablo' style?
The 'Diablo' (devil) designation comes from the fiery kick provided by the red pepper flakes.